NewDawn India is a charitable Trust, which was founded in 1990 (Reg charity No: 1001535). It is a Christian charity based in East Anglia, UK, and has been working in co-operation with Sakthi-Vidiyal, to raise funds to support the work of the Vidiyal programme since its inception in 1994. Vidiyal (meaning “New Dawn” in Tamil) is a project which covers eight slum areas in the city of Madurai, South India. It is run by a Social Worker, Dr Jim Jesudoss, his wife, Dr Sharmila, and their staff team.
The story of NewDawn India began 31 years ago when its founder Neville Cooper met Jim Jesudoss when Neville was in India.
Together they set up the charity which has grown and seen thousands of lives transformed.
Jim says “What began as a brief meeting in 1990 grew into a friendship of deep trust – one that changed my life and the lives of thousands of children.
Neville believed in me when I started Vidiyal and stood beside me with unwavering love and faith. His emails – always beginning ‘My dear Jim’ – felt like a warm embrace.
Our bond was never just professional; it was heart to heart. His trust became Vidiyal’s foundation, his love its spirit. I miss him deeply but his light lives on – in me, in Vidiyal and in every child whose life he touched.”
The photo shows Jim with Neville on a visit to the UK.
NewDawn India Trustees
Our trustees are volunteers who started their connection with the charity as supporters. They have each been to Madurai to see first hand the work that is being done.
Elaine (top left) works in horticultural research; developing new products for gardeners. She is a member of Capel St Mary Methodist Church, where she first heard about NewDawn India.
With her family she began sponsoring when her children were in Primary school, to give them an appreciation of how children live in another part of the world. Equality of opportunity for all, especially children, is important to her. A regular exchange of letters with sponsored children makes supporting NewDawn more personal than supporting a larger charity.
Elaine became a Trustee in 2016. She is the designated safeguarding officer and responsible for some fundraising initiatives. She can be contacted on newdawnindia.fundraising@gmail.com.
Brenda (top right) is retired, having taught languages in Ipswich for over 30 years. She has been sponsoring NewDawn India children with her husband since the charity was formed in 1990 by a fellow member of Capel St. Mary Methodist Church. Visits to Vidiyal over the years have established strong links with the children and the Vidiyal team. They have also given her valuable insight into the important work being done there.
Brenda became Secretary to the Trustees in 2009 and was invited to become a Trustee in 2013. Her focus is on administrative matters, and she co-ordinates various fundraising activities.
Sandra (bottom left) is a retired maths teacher who has lived in Suffolk all her life. Along with her husband, she began sponsoring with NewDawn India in 2000, after learning about the needs of so many impoverished children through a fellow member of Capel St Mary Methodist Church. She was particularly impressed by the fact that the charity’s overheads were absolutely minimal. In 2003 Sandra visited Vidiyal for the first time, which made such an impression that she has been on regular visits since. She became a trustee in 2006.
Sandra’s main area of responsibility is that of sponsorship secretary, matching children to sponsors and keeping sponsors updated on the achievements and any other updates of their child.
Emma’s main responsibility is as treasurer. Her background is teaching although she now does a variety of things including working for the Methodist Church. She is very proud to be involved with the charity and has seen for herself just how many lives can be transformed through the work of NewDawn.
Values Partners with Vidiyal
Working with New Dawn India for more than three decades has been a journey deeply rooted in mutual trust, love, and enduring friendship. Without their unwavering support, we would not have reached the heights we stand at today. Neville, in particular, placed complete trust in us—believing in our vision and standing with us through some of our most challenging times. Whenever we voiced a need, New Dawn responded with generosity, understanding, and heartfelt concern.
Our relationship was never like that of a typical funding partner and implementing agency. We always considered New Dawn as part and parcel of our work, and they made us feel equally a part of the work in the UK. While we were clear about our distinct roles, we consistently valued and respected each other’s contributions.
The prayer support offered during dark and uncertain times was deeply comforting and soothing. New Dawn exhibited their faith in action—something we value immensely—as it empowered Sakthi-Vidiyal to grow as a secular organization where children experienced unconditional love and care.
Their profound understanding of social exclusion and genuine commitment to child rights and child participation have been remarkable. Every achievement of our children was celebrated as New Dawn’s own success. The sponsorship programme, in particular, has created lasting bonds between people from two different countries and cultures, fostering a deep sense of connection and solidarity.
The legacy Neville left behind is now carried forward with dedication and warmth by Sandra, Brenda, Emma, and Elaine—ensuring that this partnership continues to flourish on the same foundational principles of Love, Trust, and Friendship. We owe a great deal to New Dawn India for the growth and transformation we have achieved together over these three meaningful decades.
Jim
July 2025
